Oral Cancer Awareness: Prevention, Diagnosis, & Treatment

April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month. This month focuses on increasing public understanding of a serious form of cancer that people often overlook.

This cancer affects the mouth and parts of the throat and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Though this type of cancer doesn’t get the same media attention as other cancers, it can seriously affect lives. Early symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has reached advanced stages.

The goal of this blog post is to explain what oral cancer is, who is at risk, how to prevent it, and the newest ways to diagnose and treat it. At Midtown Dental Group, we’re dedicated to empowering patients with information that could save lives—either their own or someone they care about. We perform head, neck, and oral cancer screenings at your routine dental check ups—and whenever you ask!

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the tissues of the mouth or throat. Mouth cancer can affect various areas. This includes the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, floor of the mouth, and the hard or soft palate. These cancers fall under the broader category of head and neck cancers.

There are several types of oral cancer to be aware of. However, the most common is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for over 90% of all oral cancer cases. This type originates in the thin, flat cells lining the mouth and throat.

Common Oral Cancer Symptoms & Signs

According to the American Cancer Society, About 54,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral or throat cancer each year. Approximately 11,000 of those cases result in death.

However, when detected early, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 84%. This underscores the importance of awareness and early action. Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
• Lumps or thickened areas in the cheek
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth like the roof of the mouth, cheeks, gums, or jaw.
• Jaw swelling or pain
• Voice changes or hoarseness

Causes & Risk Factors

Understanding what causes oral cancer and what increases your risk is the first step toward prevention. While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain behaviors and conditions significantly elevate the risk. Here are the primary causes and risk factors:

Tobacco Use

This is the most significant risk factor. Both smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) and smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff) are strongly linked to oral cancers. Long-term use not only increases risk but also contributes to more aggressive forms of the disease. In our practice, we have also seen irritation and recession in the gums similar to oral tobacco use from popular smokeless tobacco/nicotine replacement pouches, such as Zyn. However, these products are still relatively new. The long term effects aren’t fully known, but these products may have similar impact on overall oral health and potential for cancer risk.

Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco, compounds the risk. Alcohol can irritate the cells in the mouth which makes it easier for harmful substances like tobacco carcinogens to damage tissues.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Particularly the HPV-16 strain, has emerged as a major cause of throat cancers. This is especially true among younger, non-smoking individuals. This sexually transmitted virus may not show symptoms for years.

Sun Exposure

Prolonged sun exposure, especially without lip protection, is a known risk factor for lip cancer as well as various skin cancers. Outdoor workers and individuals who frequently tan are more susceptible.

Age & Gender

Most oral cancer cases occur in individuals over the age of 40, with a higher prevalence among men than women. However, doctors are increasingly diagnosing HPV-related oral cancers in younger populations.

Poor Oral Hygiene, Ill-Fitting Prostheses, & Diet

Poor oral hygiene and dental health, poor diets (high in sugar, saturated fats, and unhealthy foods) can lead to environments in which viruses such as HPV may thrive or where there is chronic inflammation or irritation in the body that can lead to the risk of various types of cancers proliferating – not just in the mouth. Recent studies have also shown a four times increased risk of cancer from the chronic irritation of poor fitting dentures. Chronic irritation from broken teeth or ill-fitting dentures can also be a concern.

Genetic Predisposition

A family history of cancer may increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. However, lifestyle factors often play a stronger role.

How to Prevent Oral Cancer

• Quit Tobacco & Limit Alcohol: This is the single most important preventive step. Resources like counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and support groups can significantly improve success rates for quitting.
• Get the HPV Vaccine: The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for children starting at age 11 or 12. The vaccine helps prevent HPV-related cancers, including those in the mouth and throat.
• Protect Your Lips: When exposed to the sun, use a lip balm with SPF in addition to your sunscreen to protect your skin. This simple habit can protect against harmful UV rays that contribute to lip cancer and other skin cancers or cancers of the head and neck.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in lean protein,  vegetables, fruits, and whole grains supports overall oral health and boosts your immune system’s ability to fight off potentially cancerous cells. Avoid processed foods and sugar additives. 
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily, and address dental problems promptly. Routine dental cleanings help maintain healthy tissue and allow early identification of abnormalities.
• Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Your dentist is your first line of defense against oral cancer. Routine checkups often include oral cancer screenings, which are quick, painless, and potentially life-saving.

Importance of Early Detection

Detection of early signs of oral cancer dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed in advanced stages due to a lack of awareness or subtle symptoms that are easy to ignore.

When oral cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate can exceed 80%. In contrast, late-stage diagnosis drops survival rates significantly and often requires more aggressive treatment with greater side effects.

Why Early Detection Matters

It’s essential to monitor your mouth regularly and be aware of any persistent changes. Common early signs include unusual sores, lumps, discoloration, or pain that doesn’t go away within two weeks.

• Minimally Invasive Treatment: Early-stage cancers often require less extensive procedures.
• Improved Quality of Life: Early treatment can minimize the need for reconstructive surgeries or long-term speech and swallowing difficulties.
• Lower Medical Costs: Managing cancer early is typically more cost-effective than treating advanced-stage disease.

Dentists play a critical role in early detection. During routine exams, they can identify suspicious lesions or tissue changes and refer you for further evaluation. That’s why consistent dental visits are not just about clean teeth—they’re potentially life-saving.

How Oral Cancer is Diagnosed

If a suspicious lesion or symptom is noticed during a self-exam or dental visit, a comprehensive diagnostic process begins to confirm whether cancer is present. Here’s how that typically unfolds:

Clinical Examination

Dentists or specialists will visually inspect the mouth and palpate tissues for lumps, swelling, or abnormalities. They may also use special lights or dyes to highlight suspicious areas.

Your dentist may refer you for a secondary evaluation with a specialist with advanced training in recognizing and diagnosing these types of conditions, many of which may be variations of normal or may require periodic observation after biopsy.

Biopsy

If a lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy is the next step. This involves taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination. A pathologist will determine whether the cells are benign, precancerous, or malignant. While you’ll most likely be referred to a specialist for this step, your dentists at Midtown Dental Group are here to guide you and ensure you’re in excellent hands every step of the way.

Imaging Tests

To assess the extent and spread of the disease, doctors may order:

• X-rays: To see if cancer has spread to the jaw or chest.
• CT Scans or MRIs: To evaluate soft tissue involvement and nearby structures.
• PET Scans: To detect metastasis throughout the body.

Molecular & HPV Testing

In certain cases, particularly oropharyngeal cancers, tests may be done to identify the presence of HPV, which can influence treatment strategy.

Advancements in diagnostic tools—like brush biopsies, fluorescence imaging, and AI-enhanced screening—are improving accuracy and speeding up the time to diagnosis. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin, and the better the outcome.

Oral Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for oral cancer depends on the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. A multidisciplinary approach often ensures the best outcomes, involving surgeons, oncologists, dentists, speech therapists, and other specialists. Here are the primary treatment options:

• Surgery: This is often the first line of treatment, particularly for early-stage cancers. Surgical options may include removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision. In more advanced cases, lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed. Some surgeries may affect appearance and function, requiring reconstructive procedures afterward.
• Radiation Therapy: Often used alongside surgery or as a standalone treatment in early-stage cancers. It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) allows for precision targeting to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Chemotherapy: This involves drugs that destroy cancer cells or stop them from multiplying. It’s typically used for more advanced or aggressive cases and may be combined with radiation (chemoradiation) for enhanced effectiveness.
• Targeted Therapy: These treatments work by blocking specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth. Drugs like cetuximab are examples of targeted therapy used in certain oral cancer cases.
• Immunotherapy: A newer approach that boosts the body’s immune response to cancer. While still being researched for oral cancers, it has shown promise in treating recurrent or metastatic cases.
• Reconstructive Surgery & Rehabilitation: After tumor removal, especially when larger areas of tissue are affected, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore appearance and function. Speech and swallowing therapy, dental prosthetics, and nutrition support often follow to help patients regain quality of life.

Each treatment plan is personalized, and patients are closely monitored to adjust therapy as needed and manage side effects effectively.

The Role of Dentists in Oral Cancer Awareness

Dentists are on the front lines of oral cancer detection and education. Their unique access to patients during routine checkups gives them a powerful opportunity to promote awareness and prevention.

• Routine Screenings: Our Midtown Dental Group dentists and hygienists include oral cancer screenings as a standard part of dental exams. These screenings involve visual inspections and palpation of the mouth, face, and neck for abnormalities. It’s a quick, non-invasive process that can catch issues early. Learn more about dental checkups and cleanings and preventative dentistry by clicking the hyperlinks. 
• Patient Education: Dentists can educate patients on the warning signs of oral cancer and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. This includes discussing the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and HPV, as well as the importance of a balanced diet and regular screenings.
• Referral Pathways: If a suspicious lesion is found, dentists guide patients through the next steps—referring them to oral surgeons, ENT specialists, or oncologists for further evaluation and diagnosis.

By staying informed and proactive, dental professionals play an essential role in reducing the incidence and impact of oral cancer in their communities.

Tips for Talking to Your Dentist

Open and honest communication with your dentist is crucial when it comes to early detection and prevention of oral cancer. Whether you’re concerned about specific symptoms or just want to ensure you’re getting regular screenings, here are some helpful tips to guide your conversation:

• Don’t Hesitate to Ask: If something feels off—like a sore that won’t heal, a lump, or persistent pain—bring it up. Your dentist is trained to investigate these symptoms thoroughly.
• Request an Oral Cancer Screening: While many dentists include it in routine checkups, it’s okay to specifically ask, “Do you perform oral cancer screenings?” It’s a simple step that could make a big difference, if only for your peace of mind that it was indeed performed.
• Share Your Risk Factors: Inform your dentist if you smoke, use chewing tobacco or nicotine-replacement pouches, drink frequently, or have a history of HPV. These factors may prompt more frequent screenings or a closer examination.
• Discuss Any Changes: Let your dentist know if you’ve noticed any changes in your mouth—like a new spot, color change, swelling, or discomfort—even if it seems minor.
• Follow-Up on Referrals: If your dentist refers you for further testing or a biopsy, be sure to follow through promptly. Early intervention can significantly affect the outcome.
• Ask About Preventive Measures: Inquire about lifestyle changes, oral hygiene habits, or dietary suggestions to reduce your risk. Your dental team can offer tailored advice.

Bringing a notepad or using your phone to jot down questions before your appointment can ensure you don’t forget anything important. Your dentist is your ally in oral health—don’t be afraid to engage in the conversation.

Final Thoughts

Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April serves as an important reminder of the serious, yet often silent, threat posed by oral cancer. With tens of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year, it’s crucial to understand the risk factors, recognize the early warning signs, and commit to regular dental screenings. The good news? Many cases of oral cancer are preventable or highly treatable when caught early.

Whether you’re a dental patient, healthcare provider, or someone supporting a loved one, taking even small steps—like scheduling a checkup, quitting tobacco, or sharing information online—can have a profound impact. Awareness leads to action, and action saves lives.

Let this April be the month you prioritize oral health and spread the word. Early detection isn’t just a talking point—it’s a powerful tool in the fight against cancer.

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Caring for your smile means more than clean teeth—it’s also about catching serious issues like oral cancer early. We recommend two checkups a year to monitor your oral health and spot problems when they’re easiest to treat. If you’re due for a cleaning or it’s been a while, now’s the perfect time to schedule. Call us or book online today—your long-term health starts here.

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